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H 3589

An Act establishing a choreographer laureate of the commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Leigh Davis and 2 co-sponsors

Creates a four-year, honorary Choreographer Laureate of the Commonwealth to promote dance, curate state-event works, with up to $1,000/year expenses and no salary.

Hearing scheduled for 10/21/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-2
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Bill Summary · H 3589

Summary: H 3589 — An Act establishing a choreographer laureate of the commonwealth

Overview

H 3589 would create a new honorary position, the Choreographer Laureate of the Commonwealth, appointed by the Governor for a four-year term (renewable for one additional term). The role is non-salaried, with limited expense reimbursement, and focuses on promoting participation in the arts, elevating Massachusetts’ dance legacy, and choreographing performances for state events.

Purpose and intent

  • Establishment of a formal, statewide role to advocate for dance and choreography.
  • Leverage the laureate’s work to engage diverse audiences and strengthen the Commonwealth’s dance communities.
  • Commission choreographic works for important state events and ceremonies.

Key provisions

Appointment and term

  • The Governor may appoint a resident of Massachusetts as choreographer laureate from nominees submitted by the Choreographer Laureate Nominating Committee.
  • Term: 4 years, with possible reappointment for a second term.
  • Vacancies filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

Nominating Committee

  • Composition (5 members):
    • Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council (or designee) – chair
    • Executive and artistic director of Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival (or designee)
    • Executive artistic director of The Dance Complex (or designee)
    • Executive Director of The Yard (or designee)
    • A member of the Boston Ballet company (selected by the chair)
  • Committee members serve without compensation.
  • Responsibilities:
    • At least 5 months before the current laureate’s term ends, conduct outreach and solicit nominations.
    • Accept self-nominations and nominations from committee members.
    • Nominees must be Commonwealth residents with a record in choreography and a body of work.
    • The committee selects 3 nominees based on excellence and commitment to the arts, ensuring representation of the Commonwealth’s diverse dance community.
    • Submit the 3 nominees to the Governor at least 4 weeks before the current laureate’s term ends (or promptly if there is a vacancy).

Duties and status

  • The laureate is an honorary position; no remuneration from the Commonwealth.
  • The laureate is not a state official or employee by virtue of the appointment.
  • Reimbursement for laureate-related expenses: up to $1,000 per fiscal year.
  • Dancers and support staff chosen by the laureate for performances at state events shall be paid at market value.

Who is affected

  • The Choreographer Laureate (and their chosen dancers/staff) for state events and ceremonies.
  • Members of the nominating committee and the organizations specified (Massachusetts Cultural Council, Jacob’s Pillow, The Dance Complex, The Yard, Boston Ballet).
  • The broader Massachusetts dance community, which could gain formal recognition, opportunities, and commissions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to the Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development (February 27, 2025).
  • Hearing scheduled: October 21, 2025, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM, in Room B-2.
  • Senate concurrence appears noted in legislative actions; related House bill is HD 2585 (replaces).

Fiscal and implementation notes

  • No state salary; modest expense reimbursement cap ($1,000/year).
  • Market-rate compensation for performers engaged by the laureate for official state events.

Bottom line

H 3589 creates an officially recognized, four-year honorary position to promote dance across Massachusetts, guided by a diverse, expert nominating panel. It outlines appointment mechanics, duties, compensation limits, and an explicit process to solicit and select nominees, with the aim of enriching the Commonwealth’s cultural life through choreography at state occasions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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